INDIANAPOLIS — A state lawmaker has filed legislation that would provide more rights for renters, including the ability to withhold rent for repairs, limit the amount of security deposit a landlord can require and provide longer notice before eviction proceedings can begin.

In Indiana, 28 percent of Hoosiers are renting a house or apartment, according to Sen. Eddie Melton (D-Gary), and Senate Bill 524 aims to protect tenants.

If passed into law, it would extend the time in which a tenant has to pay past-due rent before the landlord can terminate the lease from 10 days to 14 days.

It also says a landlord can’t initiate eviction proceedings or terminate a tenant’s lease unless the landlord gives the renter at least 14 days’ notice and a chance to fix the alleged violation.

As Call 6 Investigates has reported, thousands of people rent apartments or houses in Central Indiana, and many tenants have a gripe about unresolved maintenance issues.